Tripod Leg Locking Mechanism for Simultaneous Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tripods require separate locking and unlocking of each leg, which is time-consuming and slows down the positioning process.
Innovation Solution
A tripod with a connecting element and transmission means that allows simultaneous locking and unlocking of all legs through a single actuation element, utilizing wheels and flexible elements to transmit rotary motion to locking/unlocking means on each leg.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If separate locking and unlocking of each leg is used, then the structure is simple, but the positioning time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking and unlocking operations of all three legs into a single integrated system. By merging the individual leg locking mechanisms into one unified transmission system driven by a single actuation element, the patent enables simultaneous control of all legs, thereby improving positioning speed while accepting increased system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits rotational motion from the actuation element to multiple legs, provides synchronized locking and unlocking for all legs, and enables both height adjustment and leveling operations. This multi-functionality allows a single mechanism to replace multiple separate operations.
2Loss of time
If simultaneous locking and unlocking of all legs is implemented, then the positioning time decreases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission system is segmented into multiple independent but synchronized components, each connected to a specific leg. The actuation element drives multiple transmission mechanisms that are distributed to different legs, allowing simultaneous operation while maintaining modular structure that manages complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission means act as intermediary elements between the single actuation element and the multiple leg locking mechanisms. These intermediaries (gears, belts, or other transmission components) translate the single input motion into coordinated output motions across all legs, reducing the complexity burden on the actuation element itself.
3Ease of operation
If a single actuation element controls all legs, then the operation speed increases, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple independent locking operations into a single unified control interface. The actuation element combines the functions of what would otherwise be three separate locking mechanisms, allowing the user to perform all locking and unlocking operations through one simple action, thereby improving ease of operation despite increased internal complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates faster leg positioning and leveling by allowing simultaneous operation of all legs with a single command, reducing setup time.
Implementation Method 1
said transmission means comprise a plurality of wheels adapted at transmitting a rotary motion, in particular friction wheels or toothed wheels
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2~3
Figure 4a~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a tripod (1) comprising a connecting element (3), at least three legs (2) coupled to said connecting element (3), each leg (2) being divided into at least two sections (2', 2", 2‴) able to slide with respect to each other. Each leg (2) provides locking and unlocking means (4', 4", 6, 7) of the sliding movement between the sections (2', 2", 2"') of the respective leg (2). Said tripod (1) further provides an actuation element (11; 31; 41; 61) of said locking and unlocking means (4', 4", 6, 7). Said tripod (1) is characterized in that said actuation element (11; 31; 41; 61) is arranged on said connecting element (3), and in comprising transmission means (10; 20; 30) arranged on the connecting element (3) connected to said actuation element (11; 31; 41; 61) and to said locking/unlocking means (4', 4", 6, 7) of each leg (2) and in that said tripod (1) is configured so that by acting on said actuation element (11; 31) said transmission means (10; 20; 30) act simultaneously on said locking/unlocking means (4', 4", 6, 7) of each leg (2) preventing/allowing the sliding movement between said sections (2', 2", 2"') of each leg (2).